8

Like a lookout watching from afar. Aaron thought, half self-loathing for acting like a scout, watching Laurel and Brian.

The two of them are on a date, of course. And Aaron here, watching them. This street is indeed conditioned for pedestrians who want to enjoy walking while shopping. Cozy cafes are scattered with western-style nuances, with exotic umbrellas on the side of the road, offering a different dining atmosphere. There is also a flower seller there and several other souvenir sellers. Aaron continued to watch as Brian invited Laurel to stop in front of the flower seller, then gave her a white rose. A simple act that made the girl's cheeks flush red.

Aaron's chest felt hot. Insolent Brian. The man spoils all his plans by approaching Laurel. Aaron was determined to get rid of the man, with quite an elegant move of course.

A low laugh made Aaron distract from the happy couple. Aaron turned to Lyn, who was sitting in the car next to him.

“Why are you laughing?”

Lyn's red lips twisted. “Because of your gaze, it seemed as if you wanted to kill that man.”

“Indeed.”

Lyn furrowed her brows. “So he's the one I should go after? He seems to be in love with your girl, are you sure he could be seduced by me?”

“Any normal guy will flirt with you if you decide to flirt, Lyn. That's why I ask you for help,” muttered Aaron calmly.

Lyn laughed again. “You are not seduced by me, is there a special cause or are you not a normal man?”

“There are special reasons.” Aaron immediately shut down. “You agreed to help me and don't ask questions.”

“Okay, I won't bother you with my questions.” Lyn smiled seductively. “Is your special cause that girl?”

“Lyn,” Aaron's tone was full of warning. Makes Lyn shrug her shoulders and give up, asking no more questions. This man really can't be joked with, she thought to herself.

“So when should I carry out your plan?”

“This weekend, I'm having a year-end party, inviting some of my acquaintances and employees to my house. You have to approach Brian.”

“Okay, Aaron, as you wish.”
____________________

“Mr White's annual party was always lively,” Alin smiled while sitting at Laurel's table.

She already looked tired carrying her growing belly, her maternity leave was only a few days away, but she looked excited. “The food is absolutely high class, Mr White is really not stingy with us, his employees. You can't miss it.”

Laurel laughed and played with the pen in her hand. “Are all employees invited?”

“Of course, and most of them won't miss it. The year-end party at Mr White's house is one of the things you've been waiting for, you're coming, right, Laurel?”

Brian had invited her to come together. Laurel thought to herself, suddenly feeling warm. She hadn't known Brian that long, but somehow it all felt right. They can chat for hours without feeling bored. Even Laurel realized that their relationship could go further.

“Your cheeks are flushed.” Alin laughed. “You're coming with Mr. Brian, right?”

Laurel's cheeks flushed even more, she looked at Alin carefully. “Is that clear?” she asked in a whisper.

“What's clear?”

“About our relationship.” Laurel brought her lips to Alin's ear and whispered softly, “Even Mr.White had time to ask me.”

Alin frowned. “Mr.White asked you that? Wow, that never happened before, as far as I know, he never cared about the love gossip of his employees. If it were Mr. White to ask, maybe the rumors had exploded in such a way.” Alin chuckled. “But there's nothing to lose, you are a perfect match and Mr. Brian's heart finally anchored too.”

It was Laurel who frowned. “Finally anchored too? What do you mean?”

“Oops.” Alin seemed to feel guilty for letting go of talking. “I don't mean to expose Mr. Brian to disgrace, but it seems like he has changed since meeting you. In the past, Mr. Brian was known as a playboy, who liked to change girlfriends with unclear status. But humans can change and I hope your presence can change Mr. Brian for the better.”

Laurel thought. Is it true that Brian was a playboy? But the man was very polite, very respectful, very kind. Maybe it's true what Alin said, Brian has changed for the better. Laurel really hopes so.

_______________

The night of the party, Brian picked her up even though it was a little late. The man looked neat and elegant in his dark blue shirt and casual suit.

“Sorry I'm late.” Brian looked at Laurel regretfully after he started the car. “My car tire was flat on the road earlier.”

Laurel nodded her head and smiled. “It's okay, Brian.”

Brian gave Laurel a meaningful look, confusing Laurel. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“It is okay.” The man looked away with a smile. “It's just that you are very different from the other women I've been close to. They will definitely sulk and get angry if I'm late to pick you up, even for any reason. But you are different, you accept my reasons with understanding.”

Laurel just smiled in response to Brian's statement, but then Brian held her hand gently. “My feelings for you are different too, Laurel. I hope you feel the same.”

Is that a declaration of love? Laurel wondered, staring at Brian for answers.

“Will you be my lover, Laurel? I love you, and I promise to be a good lover.”

Laurel looked at Brian in a smile, then chuckled. “The answer is later after the party, okay?”

Brian smiled back at Laurel, then chuckled with amusement. “Geez, are you on purpose, you want to torture me throughout the party, worried about your answer?” They then laughed together.